Music. Concert line.

Dylan Sticks To Oldies On Tour

August 22, 1997|By Rick Reger.

In a press release for his upcoming LP "Time Out of Mind," BOB DYLAN is quoted as saying: "It's definitely a performance record instead of a poetic literary type of thing. You can feel it rather than think about it." Actually, if "Time Out of Mind" is anything like some of Dylan's other new collections of the last 15 years, simply remembering it will be more difficult than thinking about or feeling it. Of course, Dylan has rarely played new material on recent tours, so it's unlikely fans will get a preview of the new stuff on his current swing through town. Bob Dylan performs Thursday at the NEW WORLD MUSIC THEATRE. I-80 and Harlem Ave., Tinley Park. 708-614-1616.

The `A' list

Ani DiFranco, Thursday at the New World Music Theatre: Like Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco transcends traditional notions of folk and singer/songwriter music with a brash yet beautiful acoustic songcraft that merges lyrics of unflinching candor, bite and thoughtfulness with music both furious and delicate. DiFranco's continued touting of her own integrity has taken on a self-congratulatory tone that threatens to turn her into a bit of a self-righteous babe. Still, she wields a rare, remarkable talent. Opening for Bob Dylan. I-80 and Harlem Ave., Tinley Park. 708-614-1616.

Tranquility Bass, Thursday at the Double Door: In one of the year's major musical events, electro-pop sound sculptor Tranquility Bass makes his first-ever live appearance Thursday backed by an eight-piece ensemble featuring members of Isotope, Squishy and Out of Order. TB's debut LP, "Let the Freak Flag Fly," is an often hypnotic pop/hip-hop/funk/folk/world music collage. 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-489-3160.

John Lydon, Saturday at Metro: Former Sex Pistol and Public Image Ltd. member John Lydon's new solo effort, "Psycho's Path," wisely bypasses tepid punk and pop for a consolidation of early PiL techniques like drones, dub and anti-song forms that provides an intriguingly offbeat blast of digital venom. 3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203.

Jimmy Rogers, Friday at Buddy Guy's Legends: Though he never garnered the fame of peers like Willie Dixon and Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Rogers was a primary architect of Chicago blues, and he remains one of the music's certifiable legends. Along with some stellar contributions to the classic Muddy Waters' ensemble of the early 50s, Rogers carved out a brilliant solo career (nicely captured on the 2-CD "The Complete Chess Recordings"). distinguished by his smooth singing, scrappy fretwork and first-rate songcraft. 754 S. Wabash Ave. 312-427-0333.

Jonatha Brooke, Friday and Saturday at Schubas: Jonatha Brooke weaves bits of jazz, folk, R&B and country into silky, sophisticated pop tapestries much the same way Joni Mitchell integrated jazz, folk and pop in the mid-'70s. Though Brooke isn't as striking a lyricist or as daring an arranger as Mitchell, her music is more than a cut above most of what passes for "smart" pop music these days. This live set should include tunes from her upcoming "10 Wings" LP. 3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508.